News: Bieksa (hand) was activated from injured reserve and will be in line to play Saturday against the Maple Leafs, Elliott Pap of the Vancouver Sun reports.

Impact: A broken hand has cost Bieksa the last 22 games, forcing the Canucks to shuffle around their top two defensive pairings in his absence. While he's only been a moderate source of offense this season with nine points in 45 games, Bieksa is a proficient hitter and shot blocker, attributes that the team should benefit greatly from with Eddie Lack filling in for the injured Ryan Miller in goal. Bieksa will likely be paired up with Luca Sbisa in his return.

Rotowire: Mar 11 / 11:42a ET

News: Bieksa (hand) was able to get in a full practice with the team Wednesday, Elliott Pap of the Vancouver Sun reports.

Impact: Bieksa seems to be inching ever closer to an activation from injured reserve, but he may need a few more practices before the team feels comfortable inserting him into games. He's been out since Jan. 20 with the hand injury.

Impact: Bieksa, who has been sidelined since Jan. 20 after undergoing surgery on his left hand, appears to be nearing a return to game action. He'll likely need to return for at least a full practice before he's reinserted into the lineup, but he hasn't been ruled out of Thursday's contest against the Kings.

Rotowire: Mar 3 / 12:29p ET

News: Coach Willie Desjardins indicated Tuesday that Bieksa (hand) is at least a week away from a return to action, Jon Abbott of TSN 1040 reports.

Impact: Such a timetable effective rules Bieksa out for at least the Canucks' next four games, and a return to action March 12 against the Kings is hardly a lock for the blueliner, who last suited up Jan. 20.

Rotowire: Jan 28 / 1:36p ET

News: Bieksa (hand) was placed on injured reserve Wednesday.

Impact: With a number of Canucks players banged up following Tuesday's loss to the Ducks, Bieksa's move to IR will free up a roster spot for a likely AHL call-up. Bieksa underwent surgery on his left hand earlier this week and is expected to be sidelined for six-to-eight weeks.